After making a midseason return that helped bolster the Miami Dolphins’ offense, veteran tight end Darren Waller has once again been sidelined by injury. He joined the Dolphins ahead of Week 5 after recovering from a hip issue suffered during training camp in August, and quickly made an impact with 10 receptions for 117 yards and four touchdowns across four games.
That momentum came to a halt in Week 7 against the Cleveland Browns, when Waller suffered a pectoral injury that has kept him off the field ever since. With Miami eager to get one of its key red-zone weapons back, here’s the latest on his recovery and potential return timeline.
When Can the Dolphins Expect Darren Waller to Return?
Waller was injured in the first half of the Miami Dolphins’ 31-6 loss to the Browns and did not return. Early reports discussed a possible torn pectoral muscle, but later tests confirmed it was a pectoral strain, not a full tear. Although the injury is significant, it is not expected to end his season.
Waller was placed on the injured reserve list with a pectoral issue ahead of Miami’s Week 8 game against the Atlanta Falcons. This designation requires him to miss a minimum of four games. Factoring in the team’s Week 12 bye, the earliest he is eligible to return is for the Week 13 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
The timing of Waller’s absence is especially damaging because the Dolphins are already playing without superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who previously suffered a season-ending injury. This makes the loss of Waller, who was highly productive in his short time with the team, even more devastating.
The depth chart issues don’t end there. Julian Hill, Waller’s primary replacement, was injured in Week 8, leaving the Dolphins extremely thin at the tight end position. Currently, their other options are Tanner Conner and Greg Dulcich.
The Dolphins, currently 2-7, rank among the league’s lower-tier passing offenses, sitting 26th in passing yards per game. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, ranked 23rd in PFSN’s QB Impact metric, has struggled with turnovers, leading the NFL with 11 interceptions. With the Buffalo Bills up next, the outlook remains bleak.
Following a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week, the Dolphins fired general manager Chris Grier. If the team’s struggles continue, head coach Mike McDaniel could be next on the hot seat. With the season quickly slipping away, Miami likely needs back-to-back wins over the Bills and Commanders to keep even faint playoff hopes alive until Waller returns.
